AGTC Genomics Contributes to Building Malaysia’s Technology Ecosystem Through Engagement with Bioeconomy Corporation and MIGHT

Local technology companies must be supported to scale beyond Malaysia and compete internationally

AGTC Genomics recently welcomed representatives from the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) and the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) for discussions on strengthening Malaysia’s technology ecosystem and helping local innovation-driven companies expand into international markets.

The visits provided an important platform for AGTC Genomics to share its experiences, perspectives and challenges as a Malaysian technology company working to commercialise advanced genomic technologies and build a presence beyond the domestic market.

Bioeconomy Corporation is the lead development agency for Malaysia’s biotechnology and bio-based industries under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Guided by the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0, it supports industry development through investment promotion, talent development, market access, funding facilitation and the BioNexus Status programme.

MIGHT is a technology-focused partnership and strategic think tank that brings together government, industry and other stakeholders. It uses technology foresight, market intelligence and public-private consensus-building to identify emerging business opportunities, strengthen national capabilities and support the strategic development of Malaysia’s high-technology sectors.

From Malaysian Innovation to Regional Growth

During the discussions, AGTC Genomics Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dr Chee-Onn Leong, shared the company’s journey in advancing precision medicine in Malaysia.

He highlighted how AGTC Genomics has progressed from a locally established genomics company into a regional precision medicine organisation with plans to expand its services across Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

As a BioNexus Status company and an early pioneer in Malaysia’s genomics sector, AGTC Genomics has focused on translating advanced scientific discoveries into clinically relevant and commercially sustainable healthcare solutions.

“Building a successful technology company requires more than strong science. It requires a clear commercial strategy, access to capital, suitable talent, regulatory readiness and the ability to enter markets beyond Malaysia,” said Professor Leong. “Our experience shows that Malaysian companies can develop sophisticated technologies that meet international expectations. The next challenge is how we can help these companies scale, commercialise and compete globally.”

Advancing Malaysian-Designed Cancer Detection Technology

The visiting teams also expressed their interest in the development and commercialisation of AGTC Genomics’ Malaysian-designed and clinically validated Multi-Cancer Early Detection test.

The test is designed to detect signals associated with more than 21 types of cancer through a blood sample. It combines cutting-edge liquid biopsy methods with ultra-deep sequencing technology to identify cancer-related molecular signals, including those that may be present at very low levels.

The development represents an important step in Malaysia’s ability to create, validate and commercialise advanced precision medicine technologies locally rather than depending entirely on technologies developed overseas.

Beyond its clinical potential, the test demonstrates how Malaysian intellectual property, scientific expertise, laboratory capability and commercial execution can be integrated into a locally developed healthcare solution with regional and international market potential.

“Malaysia should not only be a user or distributor of technologies created elsewhere. We must also become a developer, owner and exporter of advanced technologies,” Professor Leong added.

Creating Pathways for Malaysian Technology Companies

The discussions also covered several challenges commonly faced by local technology start-ups and growth-stage companies, including limited access to expansion capital, difficulties entering overseas markets, regulatory complexity, talent retention and the long journey required to commercialise research-intensive technologies.

AGTC Genomics emphasised that support for technology companies should extend beyond early-stage grants and product development. Companies also require assistance with international market access, strategic partnerships, regulatory pathways, commercial validation and growth financing. In this regards, AGTC Genomics welcome the move to create the TechnoMART Malaysia High-Tech Financing initiative launched by MOSTI recently, by pooling over RM5 billion in strategic financing. Led by MIGHT across 15 participating financial and funding agencies, it helps local startups and tech innovators cross the commercialisation gap over an 18-month period.

A stronger connection between government agencies, industry leaders, investors, universities, hospitals and international partners will be essential to transform promising Malaysian innovations into globally competitive businesses.

Malaysia Is Not Short of Talent, but Short of Opportunity

Professor Leong concluded that Malaysia already possesses highly capable scientists, engineers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and technology professionals. However, more opportunities must be created for these talents to develop their ideas, lead commercially meaningful projects and build companies with international reach.

“Malaysia is not short of talent. What we are short of are opportunities for our talent and technologies to be tested, commercialised and scaled on the international stage,” he said. “Malaysian technology companies should not build their businesses by relying solely on the domestic market. From the beginning, they should develop products, capabilities and business models that can compete across Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific and eventually the global market.”

AGTC Genomics welcomed the engagement with Bioeconomy Corporation and MIGHT as a positive step towards creating a more connected, commercially focused and internationally ambitious technology ecosystem for Malaysia.

Through continued dialogue between industry and national technology development agencies, Malaysia can strengthen its position as a creator and exporter of high-value technologies while generating skilled employment, attracting investment and delivering meaningful economic and healthcare impact.

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About AGTC Genomics

AGTC Genomics is a Malaysian precision medicine and genomics company specialising in advanced genomic testing, liquid biopsy, precision oncology, early disease detection, inherited disease testing and other next-generation molecular solutions. As a BioNexus Status company, AGTC Genomics is committed to translating cutting-edge genomic science into clinically relevant and accessible healthcare solutions. The company is expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region while contributing to the development of Malaysia’s genomics, biotechnology and precision medicine ecosystem.